DILG honors nation’s top firefighters

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday underscored fire safety as a central pillar of public protection as it honored ten of the country’s most outstanding firefighters—five Commissioned Officers and five Non-Commissioned Officers—recognized for their bravery, innovation, and unwavering commitment to public service.

The awarding ceremony, held on 4 December at SMX Aura in Taguig City, was led by DILG Undersecretary Rolando Puno, Chairperson of the Board of Judges, together with Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Chief Jesus P. Fernandez, SM Prime Holdings Inc. President Jeffrey Lim, and SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio. The event celebrated exemplary service and the daily sacrifices of frontline firefighters nationwide.

Delivering the keynote message on behalf of DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Puno reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to strengthening fire services in alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s public safety agenda.

“Through TOFF, we are affirming our commitment to strengthening fire safety services and extending our gratitude to the men and women of the BFP who never waver in upholding the oath they took,” Puno said.

He praised this year’s awardees as standard-bearers of professionalism and courage. “Firefighters are at the heart of our nation’s lifeline. I salute this year’s awardees and finalists for setting a positive example. Your discipline, integrity, and resilience uplift the entire firefighting force. You give Filipinos confidence in times of crisis,” he added.

This year’s Commissioned Officer awardees are FSSUPT Bartolome O. Beliran of Region 6, FSUPT Josephus F. Alburo of NCR, FCINSP Zardoz V. Abela of Region 8, FSINSP Julius R. Mangrubang of Region 3, and FSINSP Karl Aerole M. Rosales of NHQ. The Non-Commissioned Officer awardees are SFO3 Lloyd C. Francisco of Region 3, SFO2 Donn C. Analoague of Region 11, SFO1 Jan Vincent R. Alba of Region 4A, FO3 Dianne Daphne P. Bruno of Region 4A, and FO2 Bernard P. Sureta of Region 5.

Each awardee received a plaque of recognition, a medallion, and a P250,000 cash prize from SM Prime Holdings.

Puno also commended BFP Chief Fernandez, noting a decline in reported fire incidents and the Bureau’s expanding role in the Unified 911 emergency system launched in September. He emphasized that modernization remains a priority under the proposed 2026 budget, including new firetruck procurement and the construction of fire stations to enhance community safety.

He likewise thanked SM Prime Holdings for its continuing support and signaled the Department’s readiness for deeper collaboration toward “a safer, adaptive, and disaster resilient Philippines.”

The Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines (TOFF) program is held annually to recognize exemplary service among BFP’s Commissioned and Non-Commissioned personnel.

The ceremony was attended by DILG Assistant Secretary Lilian M. De Leon, BFP NHQ Praise Committee Chairperson FCSUPT Wilberto Rico Neil A. Kwan Tiu, TOFF 2025 Head Secretariat Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley, and representatives from the public and private sectors.